Syracuse Common CouncilNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Syracuse Common CouncilFri, 02 Feb 2018 10:10:28 +0000Syracuse Common Councilhttp://wrvo.org
Ellen AbbottA relic from the Matt Driscoll mayoral administration in Syracuse is going by the wayside as Mayor Ben Walsh institutes new ways of making government more accountable. The city of Syracuse started using SyraStat in 2002. At the time, the program was meant to analyze performance of city departments by the numbers and find savings. There is even a SyraStat room near the mayor’s office. While it was successful, a new administration means new methods. Walsh has announced the creation of a new performance management system called the Office of Accountability, Performance and Innovation (API). "I’ve been of the mind that we needed to reinvigorate an effort to ensure accountability and performance management, and we think we’ve found an opportunity to do that," Walsh said. Accountability meetings will be open to the pubic, and the former SyraStat room will be known as the iLab. This comes as Syracuse Common Council plans to begin streaming meetings online. Council President Helen Hudson saysWalsh implements new government accountability measureshttp://wrvo.org/post/walsh-implements-new-government-accountability-measures
114227 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 01 Feb 2018 22:51:07 +0000Walsh implements new government accountability measuresEllen AbbottSyracuse Common Councilors unanimously selected Democrat Michael Greene to fill an empty at-large seat left open by Helen Hudson after she was elected council president. Lawmakers say Greene had the best grasp of council issues out of three finalists. The 30-year-old lost a primary race last year for a district council seat. Councilor Joe Driscoll says it was that experience that put Greene ahead of two other finalists for the job, including Lanessa Owens, whose name was withdrawn from a council agenda at the last minute. Greene, who lives in Armory Square, has a background in economic development. He grew up on Onondaga Hill and after spending several years in New York City, returned to central New York to be near his family. Greene says losing a campaign for a council district seat last fall will help him. "I mean, I’ll hit the ground running a little bit," Greene said. "The fact that I ran will make it easy to jump right in.” If he wants to keep the seat, Greene will need to win aSyracuse City Council chooses Michael Greene for empty seathttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-city-council-chooses-michael-greene-empty-seat
113732 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 23 Jan 2018 09:28:00 +0000Syracuse City Council chooses Michael Greene for empty seatEllen AbbottSyracuse Common Councilors are getting behind a statewide initiative meant to raise awareness about local substance abuse services. The idea behind “United to Fight It: Preventing Substance Abuse” is to get community leaders together with substance abuse coalitions and plaster the community with the information that can help anyone in the midst of addiction get well.Syracuse joins movement to spur discussion, awareness of addictionhttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-joins-movement-spur-discussion-awareness-addiction
113150 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 09 Jan 2018 09:44:00 +0000Syracuse joins movement to spur discussion, awareness of addictionTom MagnarelliThe Syracuse Common Council will narrow down a list of resumes to three candidates before voting to fill an empty council seat. That process is still being criticized by some who are calling for more transparency. Former Green-party candidate for councilor-at-large Frank Cetera said there is a lack of public input into the appointment of the vacant seat. He tried to speak about it at Wednesday's council meeting but was shot down. “It’s unfortunate that the council has decided not to allow this discourse as a part of the public record,” Cetera said. Cetera said the council already failed their own process when Councilor Khalid Bey proposed appointing Lanessa Owens-Chaplin, before all of the other resumes could be vetted by the council. “Not publishing a timeline as a part of that process, in my opinion, makes the process incomplete as well,” Cetera said. Bey put the vote on hold but he said he is hoping to get it done soon. Bey said Owens-Chaplin is a lawyer with New York StateSyracuse council vets candidates to fill empty seat, some question processhttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-council-vets-candidates-fill-empty-seat-some-question-process
112951 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 04 Jan 2018 09:31:12 +0000Syracuse council vets candidates to fill empty seat, some question processTom MagnarelliFour Syracuse councilors with decades of experience are stepping down at the end of the year, mostly because of term limits. The councilors reflected on their time in office, and the challenges still ahead for the city.Syracuse councilors with decades of experience reflect on leaving officehttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-councilors-decades-experience-reflect-leaving-office
112541 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 27 Dec 2017 09:11:00 +0000Syracuse councilors with decades of experience reflect on leaving officeTom MagnarelliThe developers of two historic buildings in downtown Syracuse are seeking tax breaks from the city. The Whitney Lofts project would feature 16 new apartments, a restaurant and a speakeasy bar. The tax breaks total more than $200,000 on sales and mortgage taxes. Deputy Commissioner for Business Development Nora Spillane said the redevelopment would add new excitement to the 300 block of S. Salina St. “This is a way for public dollars to be used on projects that we know will have tangible economic impacts onto the downtown neighborhood, that we’re going to be repairing and replacing, fixing up, historic buildings in our downtown core, that continue to build on the vibrancy of downtown,” Spillane said. The project also has the support of Sen. Charles Schumer who is asking the National Parks Service to approve of tax credits for the developers. Part of the redevelopment involves tearing down a concrete wall and exposing the original brick facade with windows from the 1930s. Spillane notedDevelopers of Whitney Lofts project seek Syracuse tax breakshttp://wrvo.org/post/developers-whitney-lofts-project-seek-syracuse-tax-breaks
112190 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 15 Dec 2017 09:41:18 +0000Developers of Whitney Lofts project seek Syracuse tax breaksTom MagnarelliFormer Green Party Syracuse councilor at-large candidate Frank Cetera is calling for an open process to fill a soon-to-be vacant seat on the council. The issue stems from another council appointment that was made two years ago. In 2015, the council voted to appoint Democrat Joe Nicoletti to a vacant seat. Cetera said Nicoletti’s appointment was made with no public notice or consideration of the candidates who ran for council that year. “That was done behind-the-scenes, furtively and even within the rank of the council at that time, there was disagreement and concern about how the situation was handled,” Cetera said. Now that Councilor-at-Large Helen Hudson has been elected to council president, her seat will be up. Cetera said the process of selecting her replacement should be publicly announced with a timeline of submitting and reviewing applications. “Everybody is pushing for openness, transparency, more citizen engagement, involvement, so this is a first and easy step to move inHow will vacant Syracuse council seat be filled? http://wrvo.org/post/how-will-vacant-syracuse-council-seat-be-filled
111562 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 04 Dec 2017 09:36:19 +0000How will vacant Syracuse council seat be filled? Grant ReeherThe race for mayor and the choice of whether or not to hold a constitutional convention have dominated the political headlines in Syracuse, but there are other important decisions facing voters in this November's election. Among them, are two at-large seats that are up for grabs on the Syracuse Common Council. This week, Grant Reeher talks with the four candidates vying for those two spots, Democrat Tim Rudd, Democrat Khalid Bey, Republican Norm Snyder and Green Party candidate Frank Cetera.A conversation with the four candidates running for two at-large Syracuse Common Council seatshttp://wrvo.org/post/conversation-four-candidates-running-two-large-syracuse-common-council-seats
109828 as http://wrvo.orgSun, 22 Oct 2017 14:17:34 +0000A conversation with the four candidates running for two at-large Syracuse Common Council seatsTom MagnarelliEarlier this year, the Syracuse Common Council allocated funding for the city to hire more police officers. But Mayor Stephanie Miner’s administration said it has no intention of training a new class of officers.Syracuse mayor will not hire more police officers despite council's requesthttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-mayor-will-not-hire-more-police-officers-despite-councils-request
109758 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 20 Oct 2017 08:09:23 +0000Syracuse mayor will not hire more police officers despite council's requestTom MagnarelliMany owner-occupants of tax-delinquent properties in the city of Syracuse are getting extra time to catch up on their back taxes. But that raises some concerns from the buyer of the city’s foreclosed properties. Every Syracuse Common Council session usually involves a decision on what action to take regarding a list of foreclosable properties in the city. At their most recent session, Councilor Susan Boyle put 11 out of 15 properties in her district on hold from foreclosure. She said most of those properties are owner-occupied and owe less than what the property is worth. “If they’re showing progress, if they’re in communication with us, if they’re going to workshops, if they have an application in for a tax trust that hasn’t been approved yet, I’m not about to pull the rug out from under them while they are waiting for decisions from a bank," Boyle said. "I'm working with the homeowners. I've been calling and keeping contact with people. There are people that are trying to pay it offWhy do some tax-delinquent properties in Syracuse get put on hold?http://wrvo.org/post/why-do-some-tax-delinquent-properties-syracuse-get-put-hold
108751 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 27 Sep 2017 08:26:00 +0000Why do some tax-delinquent properties in Syracuse get put on hold?Tom MagnarelliGov. Andrew Cuomo recently allocated an additional $1.5 million in funding to improve roads in Syracuse. But it is money that state legislators are warning the city needs to spend now.Assemblywoman says extra state money to fix Syracuse roads is 'use or lose'http://wrvo.org/post/assemblywoman-says-extra-state-money-fix-syracuse-roads-use-or-lose
107271 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 21 Aug 2017 08:27:00 +0000Assemblywoman says extra state money to fix Syracuse roads is 'use or lose'Tom MagnarelliThe city of Syracuse could soon be speeding up its process of code enforcement of property owners. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation allowing Syracuse to create a new municipal violations bureau. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner said if the Syracuse Common Council cooperates, the city could have the bureau up and running this year. "It's been my experience that I tend to be very ambitious with what I think can be accomplished," Miner said. "I think we will get the lion's share of it done." The bureau would circumvent the courts in handling code violators. “Instead of using the court system to go through your code violation, we’re going to have our own in-house entity," Miner said. "That’s how Rochester handles it. It allows you to be much more efficient, much more effective and proactive in working with property owners." That’s because going through the courts to handle code violations is a long procedure that can take over a year to resolve. The city’s own municipal violations bureauNew bureau could speed up property code enforcement in Syracusehttp://wrvo.org/post/new-bureau-could-speed-property-code-enforcement-syracuse
106239 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 28 Jul 2017 08:31:00 +0000New bureau could speed up property code enforcement in SyracuseTom MagnarelliFive candidates in Syracuse vying for one open district council seat, laid out their platforms at a recent public forum. The diverse 4th district, including downtown and parts of the south side and University Hill, has attracted diverse candidates with a wide range of opinions. Big, lofty ideas on solving Syracuse’s economic woes tend to be floated at these forums. But designated Democratic candidate Latoya Allen said the candidates should be focused on service and accountability. “I feel as if the district councilor has to be able to relate to the people that put them there in that office, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” Allen said. She is proposing monthly events like coffee with your councilor and politics and pizza. "And that's me coming to you," Allen said. "Me actually listening to you, listening to your concerns and hearing what you have to say. And also, me telling you what I'm doing down at city hall on your behalf." Michael Greene, who came in a close second toFrom dark ages to pizza parties, 5 candidates compete for 1 Syracuse council seathttp://wrvo.org/post/dark-ages-pizza-parties-5-candidates-compete-1-syracuse-council-seat
105281 as http://wrvo.orgFri, 07 Jul 2017 08:47:00 +0000From dark ages to pizza parties, 5 candidates compete for 1 Syracuse council seatTom MagnarelliA teenager in Syracuse is being honored for his work with the Boys & Girls Club. His leadership extends beyond the organization to his family at home. Dominique Agee, 17, is adjusting to the accolades. “It’s weird,” Agee said. He represented Syracuse at the Boys & Girls Club of America, New York State Youth of the Year Competition at Siena College last month. “At first it was just for school and then I stayed," Agee said. "It’s fun because of the kids, they’re nice kids, it’s not like they are bad kids. We got good kids.” Agee has daily duties in the Boys & Girls Club kitchen, the game room and provides homework tutoring. And while he didn't win the Youth of the Year Competition, his work was recognized by the Syracuse Common Council. Councilor Susan Boyle read a proclamation saying Agee's mentorship shows what it is like to serve others first. “Dominique has not only been able to improve his life but his family’s lives at home by taking up responsibilities around the houseSyracuse teen lauded for work at Boys & Girls Club, responsibilities at homehttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-teen-lauded-work-boys-girls-club-responsibilities-home
104909 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 04 Jul 2017 08:49:00 +0000Tom MagnarelliSyracuse common councilors and their challengers are defending their records and offering new ideas ahead of the upcoming election in November. A recent public forum for all the council candidates focused on jobs, the city's finances and police. The two women running to be the next council president debated the importance of city contractors hiring Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises or MWBEs. The Democrats’ designated candidate, Councilor Helen Hudson, said she has been strengthening MWBEs. “That’s why I work with the black minority contractors to ensure that we get them working and get them on some of these projects,” Hudson said. "I've been on the council seven years and I think I've done quite a bit on the council in seven years to try to make sure that our community gets what they're supposed to get." Hudson’s challenger, Democrat Sha’Sha Wheat said the city should close the loopholes that allow contractors to be exempt from the requirement to hire a certain number ofSyracuse council candidates defend their records, offer new ideashttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-council-candidates-defend-their-records-offer-new-ideas
105057 as http://wrvo.orgWed, 28 Jun 2017 08:37:00 +0000Syracuse council candidates defend their records, offer new ideasTom MagnarelliA vote this week to give the Syracuse Police Department $1.6 million for new vehicles became a lightning rod for a bigger issue. Some Syracuse Common Councilors say various spending items should be delayed because of the financial health of the city.Fearing fiscal control board, Syracuse councilor says curb some spending until after electionhttp://wrvo.org/post/fearing-fiscal-control-board-syracuse-councilor-says-curb-some-spending-until-after-election
104815 as http://wrvo.orgThu, 22 Jun 2017 08:43:00 +0000Fearing fiscal control board, Syracuse councilor says curb some spending until after electionTom MagnarelliRide-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft will be allowed to operate in upstate New York starting June 29th. But some in Syracuse want the city to opt out.As upstate ride-hailing gets ready, some want Syracuse to opt outhttp://wrvo.org/post/upstate-ride-hailing-gets-ready-some-want-syracuse-opt-out
104709 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 20 Jun 2017 08:30:00 +0000As upstate ride-hailing gets ready, some want Syracuse to opt outEllen AbbottThe city of Syracuse is looking for public input regarding a new proposed telecommunications ordinance. It could mean stronger cell phone connections for certain customers.Proposed addition of new cell antennas could help coverage in Syracusehttp://wrvo.org/post/proposed-addition-new-cell-antennas-could-help-coverage-syracuse
104395 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 13 Jun 2017 08:38:00 +0000Proposed addition of new cell antennas could help coverage in SyracuseTom MagnarelliGreen Party candidate Eric Graf, 25, announced he is running for the Syracuse Common Council. Graf works for the Syracuse City School District and said he wants more funding for schools and smaller class sizes. He said he supports a $15-an-hour minimum wage, more bike lanes and more worker-owned businesses. To pay for their progressive platform, Green Party candidates, including Graf, say they want a progressive income tax on city workers and residents. "I think that's small enough that they won't notice it so much coming out of their paychecks but in terms of what we could do with that, I think they would notice positive results," Graf said. Graf said more Green candidates are running locally this year because they are fueled by voter dissatisfaction with the economy and the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates in 2016. “I think folks are recognizing that the Democrats are part of the reason that we ended up with Trump," Graf said. "The recovery, if you will, has beenAnother Green Party candidate runs for Syracuse Common Councilhttp://wrvo.org/post/another-green-party-candidate-runs-syracuse-common-council
103963 as http://wrvo.orgMon, 05 Jun 2017 08:50:00 +0000Another Green Party candidate runs for Syracuse Common CouncilTom MagnarelliThe Syracuse Common Council has voted to override the mayor’s veto and defund the Syracuse Land Bank of $1.5 million in the city's recently passed budget. Some councilors called into question the land bank’s performance of maintaining foreclosed properties. Rich Puchalski with Syracuse United Neighbors offered candy to councilors who would vote to return land bank funding. “Most of you, don’t experience what we experience day in, day out,” Puchalski said. Puchalski is referring to the land bank’s foreclosed vacant properties and homes on the city’s south and southwest sides. He said the funding cuts come as millions of dollars in tax breaks for various projects are being granted in the city, including luxury apartments near University Hill. "We're helping out the rich neighborhoods are we're taking away money from the poorest in the city," Puchalski said. "That's wrong." Puchalski said when neighbors complain about maintenance issues, the land bank is quick to respond. “Our fear isSyracuse council overrides mayor's veto, defunds land bankhttp://wrvo.org/post/syracuse-council-overrides-mayors-veto-defunds-land-bank
103545 as http://wrvo.orgTue, 23 May 2017 08:37:00 +0000Syracuse council overrides mayor's veto, defunds land bank